How to Make Homemade Pickled Garlic

How to Make Homemade Pickled Garlic is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 25 calories per serving. Recipe by We Seek Summits on YouTube.

Prep: 40 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $5.22 total, $1.30 per serving

Ingredients

  • 30 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled, any size, organic if possible)
  • 2 cups Water (filtered or tap)
  • 2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar (raw, unfiltered with the mother)
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt (kosher or sea salt; non‑iodized preferred)
  • 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric Powder (optional, for golden color)
  • 0.5 teaspoons Dried Oregano (optional, crushed between fingers)
  • 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Clean and Peel Garlic

    Rinse the garlic cloves, peel them, and discard any that are soft, moldy, or have brown spots.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sterilize Jars and Lids

    Place the empty jars and new canning lids in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, then remove and let dry on a clean towel.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: boiling

  3. Prepare the Brine

    In the large pot combine 2 cups water, 2 cups raw apple cider vinegar, and 1½ teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: boiling

  4. Pack Garlic into Jars

    Place the peeled garlic cloves into each sterilized jar, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Optional Flavorings

    If desired, sprinkle half a teaspoon of turmeric, oregano, or a pinch of cayenne into each jar for extra flavor and color.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Pour Hot Brine Over Garlic

    Carefully pour the hot brine over the garlic, ensuring the liquid covers the cloves completely and leaves the same ¼ inch headspace.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Seal the Jars

    Wipe the rim of each jar with a clean paper towel, place the new lid on, and tighten the band fingertip‑tight.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Process Jars in Boiling Water

    Place the sealed jars in the pot of boiling water, ensuring the water covers them by at least 1 inch. Clamp the lids with rubber jar clamps, reduce to a gentle simmer, and process for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: boiling

  9. Cool and Check Seals

    Remove the jars with tongs, set them on a towel, and let cool completely (about 30 minutes). The lids should concave inward, indicating a seal.

    Time: PT30M

  10. Store

    Label each jar with the date, store in a cool dark pantry for at least one month before first use. Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within 2 months.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
25
Protein
0.3 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo

Allergens: Garlic

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to Make Homemade Pickled Garlic

Recipe by We Seek Summits

A simple, inexpensive way to preserve garlic in a raw apple cider vinegar brine. The pickling process mellows the sharp bite, adds a sweet tang, and delivers the health benefits of garlic and vinegar. Perfect for daily use, travel snacks, or adding flavor to other pickles.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
54m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 29m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.22
Total cost
$1.30
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sterilize jars and lids before use.
  • Ensure the brine completely covers the garlic with proper headspace.
  • Process the sealed jars in boiling water for 10 minutes to create a vacuum seal.
  • Leave adequate cooling time to verify proper sealing.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot brine can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • Use only new, undamaged canning lids to ensure a proper seal.
  • Do not reuse lids from previous pickling batches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of pickled garlic in American cuisine?

A

Pickling garlic has roots in traditional preservation methods used by early American settlers who needed to store vegetables through winter. Over time, it became a staple in home canning circles for its health benefits and as a tangy addition to salads, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pickled garlic in the United States?

A

In the Northeast, pickled garlic is often flavored with dill and mustard seeds. Southern versions may include hot peppers or paprika for a spicier profile. West Coast cooks frequently use raw apple cider vinegar and add turmeric for a bright golden hue.

cultural
Q

How is pickled garlic traditionally served in American households?

A

It is commonly served as a condiment alongside cheese plates, mixed into salads, added to sandwich spreads, or eaten straight as a probiotic snack. Some families keep a small jar on the kitchen counter for daily use in cooking and health routines.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is pickled garlic associated with in American culture?

A

Pickled garlic often appears at holiday gatherings, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, where it complements cured meats and cheese trays. It is also a popular gift for friends during the winter months because it stores well and promotes wellness.

cultural
Q

What makes pickled garlic special compared to fresh garlic in American cuisine?

A

Pickling mellows the sharp bite, adds a sweet‑tangy flavor, and preserves the garlic’s antibacterial properties while introducing the probiotic benefits of fermented vinegar. This makes it easier on the stomach and more versatile for quick snacking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pickled garlic at home?

A

Common errors include not sterilizing jars, using old canning lids, failing to leave proper headspace, and not processing the jars long enough in boiling water. Each of these can lead to spoilage or an insecure seal.

technical
Q

Why does this pickled garlic recipe use a 1:1 ratio of water to apple cider vinegar?

A

A 1:1 ratio balances acidity for safe preservation while keeping the flavor mild enough for daily consumption. Apple cider vinegar’s natural acidity (around 5%) combined with equal water creates a brine that inhibits harmful bacteria yet allows the garlic’s sweetness to develop.

technical
Q

Can I make pickled garlic ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. After processing, let the jars cool, label them, and store sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for at least one month before opening. Once opened, keep the jar refrigerated and consume within two months.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when my pickled garlic is done?

A

The cloves should be tender yet still firm, with a translucent golden‑tan color. The brine should be clear or lightly amber, and the lid should be concave, indicating a proper vacuum seal.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel We Seek Summits specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel We Seek Summits focuses on practical, health‑oriented lifestyle content, including easy home‑cooking tutorials, wellness routines, and tips for integrating nutritious habits into a busy ministry or family life.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel We Seek Summits' approach to home food preservation differ from other cooking channels?

A

We Seek Summits emphasizes simplicity, affordability, and health benefits, often using minimal equipment and organic ingredients. Unlike many channels that showcase elaborate gourmet techniques, they prioritize everyday recipes that support preventive health for families and travelers.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

How To Pickle Garlic In White Vinegar For Cheap And Easy!
5

How To Pickle Garlic In White Vinegar For Cheap And Easy!

A simple, frugal method for making crunchy, tangy pickled garlic that keeps well in the refrigerator. Using a 1:1 water‑vinegar brine with non‑iodized salt, fresh dill, and optional chilies, this condiment can be sliced into salads, added to sandwiches, or enjoyed straight from the jar.

1 hr 5 minServes 4$2
American
🧄How to make Homemade Pickled Garlic🧄
3

🧄How to make Homemade Pickled Garlic🧄

A step‑by‑step guide to preserving fresh garlic in a hot vinegar brine with three delicious spice blends. The recipe yields six pint jars of tangy, spicy, dill‑mustard, and mustard‑celery flavored garlic that can be stored for months.

1 hr 1 minServes 12$14
American
Pickled Garlic: Is It a Winner? Let’s Find Out!
5

Pickled Garlic: Is It a Winner? Let’s Find Out!

A fast and tangy pickled garlic recipe that delivers crisp, garlicky bites with a hint of spice. Perfect as a snack, cocktail garnish, or addition to salads and charcuterie boards. The brine is made with white vinegar, salt, olive oil, and aromatic spices, then the garlic is left to develop flavor for a week.

20 minServes 4$9
American
Sweet Pickled Garlic Recipe
6

Sweet Pickled Garlic Recipe

A sweet and tangy preserved garlic that softens the pungent bite and adds a delightful flavor to breads, soups, and salads. Made by soaking garlic in a salt solution, then pickling it in a sugar‑vinegar brine and letting it mature for a month.

36 hrs 50 minServes 4$3
American
Canning Pickled Garlic - A Great and Tasty Way to Preserve Your Garlic!
7

Canning Pickled Garlic - A Great and Tasty Way to Preserve Your Garlic!

A simple water‑bath canned pickled garlic that stays shelf‑stable for months. Made with cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this recipe preserves the flavor of garlic without the blandness of straight‑canned garlic.

1 hr 20 minServes 4$12
American
The One With the Vietnamese Pickled Garlic
4

The One With the Vietnamese Pickled Garlic

A tangy, spicy Vietnamese pickled garlic made with rice vinegar, salt, sugar, and Thai chilies. Perfect as a condiment for pho, banh mi, grilled meats, or any Asian-inspired dish. The recipe uses pre‑peeled garlic for convenience and can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks.

25 minServes 4$14
Vietnamese
How to make Homemade Pickled Garlic (viral TikTok trend!)
2

How to make Homemade Pickled Garlic (viral TikTok trend!)

A quick and easy homemade pickled garlic recipe inspired by the viral pickled garlic and sriracha trend. Fresh garlic cloves are peeled, then submerged in a hot vinegar‑salt brine with optional red pepper flakes. After refrigerating for three weeks, the garlic becomes tangy, mildly spicy, and perfect for snacking, salads, or adding a punch to dishes.

30 minServes 4$1
American
How to make Pickle the garlic. For all you pickle lovers
2

How to make Pickle the garlic. For all you pickle lovers

A fast and easy homemade pickled garlic that stays crisp and flavorful. The recipe combines garlic, fresh dill, sliced ginger, and optional serrano chili in a simple salt brine. Blanching the garlic prevents the dreaded blue color, and after 2‑3 days in the fridge the garlic is ready to add a punch to pizzas, sandwiches, or enjoy straight from the jar.

27 minServes 4$1
American